Pride London celebrations in Soho to take place after all
Pride London have announced that the Soho street party will now go ahead next Saturday 3 July. Last week, the charity had been forced to cancel any Soho celebrations after problems negotiating licensing and the threat of potential disruptions relating to the extensive Crossrail roadworks currently taking place in central London.
The press release states, “Pride London has been locked in intensive discussions since then to try to resolve the loss of an event in this massively popular area on Pride Day. In a meeting last night, agreement was finally reached between Pride London, Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police to give the green light to a street party for London’s many LGBT revellers.”
However, the area will be heavily restricted, and there will be no stages, stalls or outdoor bars allowed. The streets will remain open to partygoers though, offering a safe environment for those attending the celebrations.
Pride London, a registered charity with over 500 volunteers but no actual employees, will be providing security and stewarding for road closures plus other assistance in the area. Westminster City Council will be taking responsibility for the clean-up. The Metropolitan Police will also be present throughout the day, helping ensure that the event is a safe and fun one for all.
Paul Birrell, Chair of Pride London, said, “After last week’s disappointing conclusion that Soho was not viable for our usual Pride event, I’m genuinely pleased that we have been able to negotiate a street party for Soho with our colleagues in Westminster and the Metropolitan Police.
“Although we won’t be able to put any stages into the area, having a street party in the area will still provide a fantastic day. We hope that Soho’s LGBT businesses can pull together and work with Pride London to help create the right atmosphere for the hundreds of thousands of attendees that look to London on 3 July for a great day out.
“Westminster City Council, the police and the fire brigade all agreed that there was no way we could leave Soho empty on such an important LGBT day, and were as dismayed as we were that the event did not look viable. I am hugely grateful for their assistance and advice in reaching such an agreeable solution.”
